Hampshire achieves Eagle Scout status

As Jared Hampshire pondered possibilities for his Eagle Scout Service Project, he wanted to impact those around him for generations to come.

“I knew from the very beginning of my project when I was deciding on what to do that I wanted to help improve the city of Pataskala,” the Licking Heights High School senior said. “I wanted to help improve it because it’s where I live, it’s my home and I wanted to not only improve it for me, but for those that will come after me.”

Hampshire, 18, chose to make improvements to two of Pataskala’s historic cemeteries — Swisher Cemetery off Havens Corners Road and Wickliff Cemetery off McIntosh Road — as part of the Boy Scouts of America’s service requirements to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, the organization’s highest award.

“My project involved cleaning up the cemeteries and making them look more presentable by replacing the fencing, adding flowers, removing unsightly debris and adding benches in designated positions within the cemeteries,” he said.

A project of this size not only required an extensive number of volunteer hours, but funding as well.

Hampshire received monetary donations from the local Lions Clubs in Pataskala and Summit Station, as well as hosted a bake sale at his church, which is how he raised the bulk of the money needed to complete the project.

The work on the two cemeteries began in January 2017 and finished in mid-August. Local and state officials have noticed, recognizing Hampshire for his efforts.

He recently received several proclamations, including from the city of Pataskala, Licking County Commissioners and the Ohio Governor’s office.

As a high school student and active community member, finding the time to plan the project, raise funds and complete the endeavor was challenging.

“It was very difficult because when marching band started in the summer, I had to not only find time, but make time for the project,” Hampshire said. “The small — and this is an understatement — workdays for the project usually involved a few hours of very intensive physical effort that could not be completed in just a few minutes, and after a long day at band or school, it was hard to find the energy to complete that day’s work.”

In addition to his marching band duties, Hampshire also plays in the jazz band, wind ensemble and symphonic band, as well as serves as an alter server at St. Pius Church in Reynoldsburg.

His devotion for community service won’t end with high school graduation, however. Hampshire will serve as an adult leader with Boy Scouts Troop 141 until he starts basic training in the U.S. Navy. His plans include enrolling in the Navy’s nuclear engineering program.

Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is just the first chapter of many chapters to come for Hampshire as he prepares to embark upon a new adventure.

“It means I’ve completed another great phase in my life and this project not only taught me a lot of useful skills, but also helped me grow as a leader and a person,” he said. “Achieving the rank of Eagle really means a lot to me because I know it not only makes my friends and family proud, but the opportunities that are now open to me are numerous.”